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Tree Advisory Commission (TAC)
Promotes public support for, interest in and involvement in street tree and public tree programs in the Borough. Works to involve neighborhoods in street tree planting, maintenance and removal planning and policies. Provides a forum for private groups and individuals interested in street tree and public tree programs to coordinate their efforts, to facilitate reaching consensus on policy recommendations and to organize community input for the Manager, the Council and the Mayor.
Members
Mary Foote - Chair | Susan Di Cerchio |
Randall Morin | Vacant |
Travis Shaw | Brian Watson, Staff |
Beth Burckley, Council Liasion |
Regulated Street Tree(s) are defined as any tree(s) in the Borough which is (are) located within the public right-of-way. Regulated street trees are the property of the Borough of Phoenixville; vandalism, unauthorized removal, or pruning may result in legal action, fines, and replacement costs.
Trimming & Removal Information
At this time the Borough is undertaking a comprehensive tree inventory performed by Brandywine Urban Forest Consulting requires tagging of each tree within the right-of-way and in Borough parks. The tree tagging methods used are pursuant to the International Society of Arboriculture Best Management Practices and allow for tree growth. Tree tags enable residents, Borough staff, and tree managers to quickly identify individual trees without confusion. The resulting tree database will be used to maintain and improve the benefits provided by the Borough’s regulated trees.
While this process is underway, the Borough only accepts requests for tree trimming or removal of regulated trees that are dead, dying, or hazardous. However, property owners may choose the option of paying for tree service provided that the Tree Advisory Commission (TAC) inspects such trees and makes recommendations relative to trimming or removal plans.
Borough Regulated Tree Application (PDF).
The Tree Advisory Commission is charged with reviewing procedures and policies pertaining to the maintenance and removal of regulated Borough street trees. All applications must include a descriptive plan for trimming or removal of trees. In the case of tree removal, the applicant must agree to replace the tree and be responsible for the successful establishment of the replanted tree. Additionally, wood removed from tree services must be disposed at the Borough’s compost site.
Choosing an Arborist
All work must be performed under the direction of an insured, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist in accordance with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 standards for arboriculture.
Current Guidelines
It is the policy of the Borough of Phoenixville not to remove healthy or restorable Borough regulated street trees.
Maintenance and repair of sidewalks are the responsibility of the abutting property owner. In replacing/repairing sidewalks adjacent to Borough regulated street trees, do not cut or remove tree roots. Provide root room with a cutout or route the walkway around or further from the tree. Take care not to damage or injure the regulated tree during construction work.
Goal:
Identify significantly aged trees that have a conflict with overhead utility lines and underground infrastructure.
Information:
The 12-year plan divides the Borough into sectors so that the removal process does not denude one area over another.
By the Numbers:
- Total of 1,109 oak and sycamore trees slated for removal in the Borough
- Goal of 92 trees removed each year
- Approximate cost per tree = $1,300
- Approximate annual cost for tree removal and stump grinding = $121,000
- Prioritize removal of dead, diseased or trees in poor condition
Remove, Restore, Replant:
Removal
Reasons for Removal:
- Tree is Diseased or Dying
- Conflicts with overhead electrical
- Tree is over 70 years of age.
Selections of the trees were made in collaboration with the Tree Advisory Commission
Removal Process:
- Removal of tree
- Disposal of tree
- Stump grinding
- Site cleanup
Restoration
- A period of at least 18 – 24 months is needed for ground to heal/prepare for replantation after stump grinding has occurred
- This timing is for nutrients to return to the ground to support the planting of the new tree.
Replantation
- Planting a tree species that is well suited to the location’s growing conditions.
- Those who receive a new tree on their property will be given a list of ways to properly maintain the young tree like the ones in the image below.
Contact the TAC
Meetings
2nd Monday of every month at 6:00 p.m.
Borough Hall
351 Bridge Street, 3rd Floor
Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.